An Interprofessional Committee for Sex Education and Healthy Relationships for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Full Description: Issues: People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) often do not receive education regarding sex or healthy relationships and are at increased risk for sexually transmitted infections, unplanned pregnancy, and sexual assault. There is no standard curriculum for sexual health education for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Arizona and barriers exist for them to access evidence-based information and resources. When reflecting on the past, individuals with IDD were often left out of the conversation. The needs of individuals with IDD are required to be considered when working towards a more inclusive future of healthcare.

Positions or Findings: Special Olympics Arizona offers inclusive health programming through screenings, education, and advocacy, but recognizes the lack of sexual health services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Special Olympics Arizona received a grant from a non-for-profit organization, Arizona Family Health Partnership, to create the Sex Education and Healthy Relationships committee. The committee is an interprofessional group of academic and clinical professionals, parents/caregivers, Special Olympics Arizona staff, and coaches. Health equity and inclusion cannot be improved without the voices of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and Special Olympics Arizona is proud to have athletes (individuals with IDD) as an integral part of the interprofessional committee. In collaboration with Bloom365 and Mad Hatter Wellness, the aim of the committee is to provide inclusive sex education and healthy relationship resources and information to Special Olympics Arizona constituents, staff, coaches, teachers, and athletes.

Conclusions: In year one, the committee has identified various gaps in the resources currently available. A needs assessment via a survey was conducted with Special Olympics Arizona Healthy Athletes Clinical Directors and providers to guide the creation and implementation of a training for health professionals and students. Additionally, focus groups were conducted with Special Olympics Arizona athletes to guide the future development of a comprehensive curriculum designed for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Looking ahead, the collaborating organizations intend to create training for parents, guardians, caregivers, and Direct Support Professionals on how to implement an inclusive sexual health curriculum with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in their lives.

Abbreviated Description: People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) often do not receive education regarding sex or healthy relationships and are at increased risk for sexually transmitted infections, unplanned pregnancy, and sexual assault. Special Olympics Arizona (SOAZ) offers inclusive health programming through screenings, education, and advocacy, but recognizes the lack of sexual health services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. SOAZ created the Sex Education and Healthy Relationships committee with the aim of providing inclusive sex education and healthy relationships resources and information to Special Olympics Arizona constituents, staff, coaches, teachers, and athletes.